A MAJOR project aimed at cracking crime on a Coventry estate has been completed, with 29 security gates blocking off a warren of alleyways....

A MAJOR project aimed at cracking crime on a Coventry estate has been completed, with 29 security gates blocking off a warren of alleyways.

The most ambitious gating scheme undertaken so far in the city is being backed by police, the city council and local residents groups in part of the Coundon area.

A cluster of roads around Holyhead Road, including Meriden Street, Melville Road and Waverley Road, have been covered.

Sgt Pete Jones, of Little Park Street police station, said: "There is literally a warren of alleyways in that neighbourhood which have been used as an easy getaway for criminals.

"This is one of the biggest burglary reduction plans that we have undertaken. The project is one of many schemes in an area which has been identified as vulnerable to this type of crime."

Officers have also increased patrols in the area and carried out property marking days.

Sgt Jones said: "We have been supported by members of the local community, in particular the Red Brick Residents Group, Teresa Ball on behalf of Action Against Crime and Kevin Noble, a local community worker.

"We believe that all the hard work has brought many people closer together and are looking forward to seeing crime rates drop."

Det Chief Insp John Larkin, crime manager at Little Park Street, said: "This scheme will immediately prevent access to the rear of houses and make it very difficult for criminals to act without being seen."

He said further schemes in the area, as well as in parts of Hillfields, would help bring crime rates down even further.

Mr Larkin said: "We also have the excellent news that this year burglaries have been reduced by 15.5per cent. This means 95 offences less than this time last year - and this is the third year running such decreases have been achieved."